In some older census records, Bondsman appears beside some names. What does this

Question:This is U.S. information. Depending on what you are considering "old", it could be two things. If you are talking about a typical Federal Census, even the early ones, then Bondsman would most likely be the person's occupation. Just like today, they made a living providing surety bonds (for a fee of course) for usually legal situations that required putting a sum up front (bail, marriage licenses in some areas, etc.)

But if you are talking REALLY old area census (sometimes called Rolls) like from the 1600s to early 1700s, there is a different meaning. Bondsman is essentially an indentured servant. Many people acquired the funding for their transportation to the colonies from wealthy benefactors. Sometimes they were also given small parcels of land from a larger land grant. In return, these people agreed to "work" for this benefactor for a rather extended period of time (7 years is a common time). In many areas, these people during their contractual working period were often referred to as a bondsman.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: This is U.S. information. Depending on what you are considering "old", it could be two things. If you are talking about a typical Federal Census, even the early ones, then Bondsman would most likely be the person's occupation. Just like today, they made a living providing surety bonds (for a fee of course) for usually legal situations that required putting a sum up front (bail, marriage licenses in some areas, etc.)

But if you are talking REALLY old area census (sometimes called Rolls) like from the 1600s to early 1700s, there is a different meaning. Bondsman is essentially an indentured servant. Many people acquired the funding for their transportation to the colonies from wealthy benefactors. Sometimes they were also given small parcels of land from a larger land grant. In return, these people agreed to "work" for this benefactor for a rather extended period of time (7 years is a common time). In many areas, these people during their contractual working period were often referred to as a bondsman.

I think bondsman can be an occupation, depending on the time and place. Normally, I have seen it used more regularly in marriage records, as a person (relative/friend) who posts bond for a marriage license.
Can you specify the place and time frame? And is this the original copy of the record, or transcribed?